Meaning of 形式
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- outer appearance
- form
- shape
- formality
Measure word: 個|个
How to use 形式
形式 is used for the form or format of something, often contrasted with 内容 (nèiróng, content). It can also mean an empty formality. Example: 这次考试的形式很新。(Zhè cì kǎoshì de xíngshì hěn xīn.) The format of this exam is new.
形 (xíng) means shape, as in 形状 (xíngzhuàng), and 式 (shì) means style or pattern, as in 方式 (fāngshì). Put them together and you get the shape or pattern something takes on the outside: its form.
Common mistake: Learners often mix up 形式 (form, format) with 方式 (fāngshì, way or method). Say 学习方式 for a way of studying, but 考试形式 for the format of an exam. Also note that the shì in 形式 is fourth tone, while 形 is second tone.
形式 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
形 xíng · to appear · 7 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
式 shì · type · 6 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Related words
Words that share a character with 形式.
| 方式 | fāngshì | way; method; manner; mode; pattern (of behavior etc) |
| 正式 | zhèngshì | formal; official |
| 形成 | xíngchéng | to form; to take shape |
| 形象 | xíngxiàng | image; form |
| 形状 | xíngzhuàng | form; shape |
| 形容 | xíngróng | to describe; (literary) countenance; appearance |
| 形势 | xíngshì | circumstances; situation |
| 模式 | móshì | mode; pattern; model |
| 情形 | qíngxing | circumstances; situation; state of affairs |
| 地形 | dìxíng | topography; terrain |
| 形态 | xíngtài | shape; form |
| 公式 | gōngshì | formula |
Questions about 形式
What does 形式 mean?
形式 (xíngshì) means "outer appearance; form" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 形式?
形式 is made of 2 characters: 形 (7 strokes), 式 (6 strokes). That is 13 strokes in total.
Is 形式 an HSK word?
Yes. 形式 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What does 形式主义 mean?
形式主义 (xíngshì zhǔyì) means formalism. It usually criticizes caring only about outward procedures or appearances instead of real results, for example meetings held just for show.
How is 形式 different from 正式?
形式 is a noun meaning form or format. 正式 (zhèngshì) is an adjective meaning formal or official, as in 正式场合 (zhèngshì chǎnghé, a formal occasion). They share 式 but play different roles in a sentence.